SFST Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SFST facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A subject raises their arms more than 6 inches from their sides during OLS. How should this be scored? → Clue: uses arms for balance
2. Approximately how long does it take the average adult liver to metabolize one standard drink? → One hour
3. What does the NHTSA SFST student manual recommend if a subject refuses to follow the stimulus with their eyes during the HGN test? → Note the refusal in the report and move on to the next SFST
4. What is a nosocomial infection? → An infection acquired in a healthcare facility
5. If an officer cannot remember a specific detail from the field sobriety test during testimony, the best practice is to: → Ask to review the arrest report or notes taken at the time
6. What type of courses might be included in the continuing education for SFST-certified officers? → Updates on impaired driving laws and best practices in field sobriety testing
7. Which detail about the HGN stimulus object must be documented to ensure test validity? → That the stimulus was held 12–15 inches from the subject's nose at eye level
8. Which study approach is most effective for Observation Skills material? → Active recall with practice questions
9. A suspect scores 2 clues on the One-Leg Stand. According to NHTSA research, what does this suggest? → The suspect is likely at or above 0.08% BAC
10. Alcohol is distributed throughout the body primarily via body water because: → Alcohol is water-soluble and distributes through total body water
11. Why must the officer demonstrate the Walk and Turn test in addition to giving verbal instructions? → Demonstration removes language barriers and ensures the suspect understands the task
12. How should an officer document environmental conditions that affected SFST administration? → Include them directly alongside test results to provide context
13. During the Walk-and-Turn, a suspect takes 17 steps on the first leg instead of the required 9. How should the officer score this? → Score 'incorrect number of steps' as one clue
14. What is the primary purpose of attending SFST refresher or update training during a recertification cycle? → To review any protocol changes and reinforce proper technique
15. An officer observes 4 out of 6 HGN clues. According to NHTSA research, this result suggests: → There is a high probability the subject's BAC is 0.08 or above
16. Which condition would make it inappropriate to use the Walk-and-Turn test on a subject? → The subject is over 65 years of age
17. Which of the following is a benefit of continuing education for SFST-certified officers? → Enhanced accuracy in administering tests and testifying in court
18. Which of the following best describes an 'improper turn' clue during the Walk and Turn test? → The suspect spins around rather than using small steps around the front foot
19. In the narrative section of a DUI arrest report, how should an officer describe a subject's performance on the Walk-and-Turn test? → With specific behavioral observations matching each of the 8 clues
20. Which SFST clue specifically addresses the suspect's behavior during the instruction phase of the Walk-and-Turn? → Cannot keep balance while listening
21. An officer notices that a suspect's eyes exhibit nystagmus only prior to 45 degrees during HGN. This observation most likely indicates: → A very high BAC or significant CNS impairment
22. What is the primary purpose of professional certification in One Leg Stand? → To validate competency and knowledge in the field
23. Which of the following is NOT one of the four standardized OLS clues? → Losing count aloud
24. Implied consent laws typically require that a driver who refuses a chemical test following a failed SFST faces: → Administrative license suspension
25. Which phase of the Walk and Turn test allows the officer to observe clues even before the suspect takes a single step? → The instruction phase
26. In the One-Leg Stand test, what is the maximum time the officer should observe the suspect before stopping the test? → 30 seconds
27. A suspect tells the officer they have an inner ear condition before SFSTs begin. The officer should: → Document the condition and consider its potential effect on balance test results
28. When administering HGN, the stimulus should be held how far from the subject's nose and slightly above eye level? → 10–12 inches
29. Which of the following best describes the role of SFSTs in the overall DUI investigation? → SFSTs provide standardized, validated data to support probable cause for arrest
30. During the OLS instruction phase, the officer demonstrates the test while giving instructions. What is the primary purpose of this demonstration? → To ensure the subject understands what is required